BMW i3 revealed

The BMW i3 electric supermini goes on sale in November, with prices starting
from £25,680.

The production version of the BMW i3 has been unveiled ahead of its November on-dale date.

The electrically powered supermini is the first car to be launched as part of BMW's new "i" sub-brand and, to help ease the fears of potential buyers worried that it won't suit their lifestyle, it will be sold with the option of cheap access to BMW's conventionally powered cars for short periods.

Power for the i3 comes from a 168bhp electric motor that provides 184lb ft of torque, and which is mounted between the driven rear wheels.

Two versions of the i3 will be offered. Both are powered by the same electric power train, but the Range Extender version also has a 650cc, 34bhp two-cylinder petrol engine that acts as a generator to extend the battery's overall range. The standard model has a range of between 80 and 100 miles, whereas the Range Extender version has a range of between 160 and 186 miles on one tank of fuel.

BMW says that a range of innovations have helped to keep the i3's weight to a minimum, and the standard version weighs 1,195kg (about the same as a diesel-powered Ford Fiesta). The most significant of these is a carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) "passenger cell", while the chassis itself if mostly aluminium.

Forged aluminium suspension links, hollow driveshafts and the use of aluminium crews and bolts are also aimed at reducing the i3's weight. The car's lithium-ion battery pack weighs 230kg and is mounted beneath the cabin floor.

BMW i3 prices start from £25,680 for the standard model and £28,830 for the Range Extender version, including the full £5,000 Government plug-in car grant. Leasing packages start from £369 per month for a 36-month contract and a limit of 24,000 miles.

Although BMW suggests the i3 will satisfy buyer's needs for the majority of the time, it is attempting to ease fears over "range anxiety" by offering the car with "BMW Access" - a system that allows them to borrow other BMW or Mini vehicles for a certain number of days each year, for holidays or longer trips.

BMW UK hasn't confirmed which of its other models will be available to i3 owners, but the service will be available as part of a "360° Electric" ownership package that can also be used to cover the cost of charging and servicing their car. Four plans will be available - Pulse, Charge, Spark and Energy, with prices ranging form £40 to £80 per month.

Four different trim levels will be available – Standard, Loft, Lodge and Suite. Standard equipment includes a satnav system that provides a "dynamic range display" and a view of public charging stations and their availability.

All UK i3 models will come with AC Fast Charging as standard, which allows the car's battery to be charged from zero to 80 per cent full in three hours via BMW's I Wallbox. Charging via a domestic socket takes eight to ten hours.

Both i3 models are covered by a three-year, unlimited mileage warranty and an eight-year, 100,000-mile battery warranty. The BMW i3 will be available to order from August, but officially goes on sale on November 16.

The next car to be added to BMW's i range will be the i8 supercar. It has a plug-in hybrid powertrain and is due on sale in spring 2014.